Leather Jacket for Heavy Outdoor Use

[Asienizen]

It's a tough recommendation to think of one material for both bike riding and working. If you want a leather for working in, I'd recommend a medium weight horse or steer - any thick leather will really tire you out, especially your shoulders and inner elbows. If you get a medium weight hide on a slightly oversized jacket, you can just wear motorcycle armor underneath when you want to bike.
On the other hand, many people want a very heavy leather for riding - flexibility can be sacrificed because you are basically holding one position on a bike.

I would not want to be doing outside work in any 6-8 pound piece of thick hide that can stand up on it's own. Furthermore, you may want to get a bi-swing back or armpit gussets to make it more movable. Frankly I think a chrome tanned horse or steer would be great for shedding water and wind - though I suppose in a downpour the water would eventually soak through.

I'm six feet and 150lb too, and I used to do construction in the mid-west, so that's my 2 cents.

 

[paulgt3]

Based on your requirements and my intense familiarity with the Sierras I would suggest any shearling jacket that
is short on your waist. Your going to be riding a horse so you have other things below your waiste like saddle bags etc.
You can buy a B-3, or a ANJ-4 or an Irvin. As you know, you can be in the Sierras any day and month and it can snow.
The jackets I suggested have horsehide protecting the seams and the shoulders and elbows and are almost indestructable.
I find going through the thickets add character. You can pick a number of makers and request a shearling length. I have a Goodwear
B-3 and the shearling is exquisite and so is the jacket. But an Eastman would hold up as well as a lost worlds, Aeroleather company
just find the companies and ask for some samples. Eastman has a couple varieties of B-3 I like like the San Fransisco Air Depot marino
version but it gets dirty.
Given the weather of the Sierras I would make sure I have a sheepskin jacket. 7 years ago it snowed 120" in 36 hours and we were in
DEEP. So dont skimp. I have been snowed on last Memorial Day, and in August of the early 90's. Its not forgiving land. I have been to
the mule packing place in Mammoth, and all up and down the eastern side from north of Reno down to where I live just 15 miles from the
foothills of Kennedy Meadows, and Walkers pass. Dont underestimate her power.

 

[Mark Ricketts]

I agree with some earlier comments. What a marvellous excuse to acquire several jackets, each one doing one job perfectly, rather than one jacket doing several jobs..... not so well.
It is a braver man than me who would wear a Langlitz as a workcoat.

 

[ButteMT61]

I agree with some earlier comments. What a marvellous excuse to acquire several jackets, each one doing one job perfectly, rather than one jacket doing several jobs..... not so well.It is a braver man than me who would wear a Langlitz as a workcoat.

Enabler lol

 

[Bunyip]

Mate, just dress like Indiana Jones, he seemed to do ok in the bush....